Newcastle and Southampton enter race for QPR striker

Newcastle and Southampton are both now keeping tabs on QPR’s Charlie Austin, according to the Mirror.

The striker set the Premier League alight when QPR were in the top tier and there has been interest in him ever since from clubs in the top flight.

Crystal Palace were believed to be leading the race for the forward’s signature but things have become a lot more difficult for Alan Pardrew’s side with Newcastle and Southampton now having registered an interest in Austin.

It means there could be a bidding war to try and secure the 26-year old’s signature this month.

Palace have been in the running for a while but Newcastle are now keen on a deal as they look to bolster their attack in a bid to climb further up the table, while Southampton have been keeping an eye on Austin for the last couple of months and have liked what they have seen.

Austin’s current contract expires at the end of the current campaign, which means that he would be available for free unless he pens a new deal at Loftus Road. It has QPR worried that they could end up losing their star striker for nothing in the summer and it means they are willing to let him leave this month.

The asking price they have slapped on his head is reportedly £12.5m and if any of the Premier League sides matches that valuation, then a deal could be done.